SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be an appointed collector of taxes in the Town of Hadley. The collector of taxes shall have all the powers, perform the duties and be subject to the liabilities and penalties now or hereafter conferred and imposed by law on town collectors of taxes. The collector of taxes shall be appointed and may be removed by a majority vote of the select board of the town. The Select Board may establish an employment agreement with the collector for salary, fringe benefits and other conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, severance pay, reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of the office, liability insurance and conditions of discipline, termination, dismissal, reappointment, performance standards and leave. A vacancy in the office shall be filled in a like manner.

SECTION 2. Notwithstanding section 1, the incumbent holding the office of collector of taxes on the effective date of this act shall continue to hold such office and to perform the duties thereof until the expiration of the term for which he or she was elected, unless he or she sooner vacates such office. After the term of the incumbent collector of taxes holding such office on the effective date of this act has expired, or is sooner vacated, the Select Board shall appoint a collector of taxes in the manner set forth in section 1. In the event an incumbent collector of taxes vacates his or her position prior to the expiration of his or her term of office, an interim collector of taxes shall be appointed to serve.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage.